PNGDF

He succeeds outgoing Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Heta Nombe.

The ceremony was marked by the symbolic transfer of the command sword, representing the formal passing of leadership from the 36th unit commander to the 37th.

In his farewell address, Lt Col Nombe reflected on the challenges and the accomplishments achieved during his tenure. He urged Lt Col Dekaetavara to aim high and exceed expectations in his new role.

Commissioner Manning and the Enga Provincial Administrator, Tsandis Tsaka, received operational briefings from Provincial Police Commander Superintendent George Kakas and Wabag Police Station Commander, Inspector Patrick Peka, as well as the Director of Enga Law and Order Committee, Nelson Leia.

Governor Undialu whilst passing his condolence to the immediate family members and colleagues of the lost officer, said Hela people, especially residents of Tari town are innocent.

 He is concerned that opportunists might capitalise on the existing situations and cause problems for the township.

Undialu said Hela has done well last 12 months in managing law and order except few instances.

“As we approach this Christmas and into the New Year, we plan to launch and commission some key infrastructure in the province. This incident is now a setback for us.”

The Australian Defence College graduated six members of the PNG Defence Organisation on the 8th of December 2023 in Canberra, Australia.

PNG Defence Force’s (PNGDF) Lieutenant Colonel John Giregire, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Kellerton and Commander Willie Galia graduated with Masters under the Defence & Strategic Studies Course (DSSC), while Major Ezron Dekaetavara and Major Deleni Rida also graduated with Masters and Diplomas under the Australian Command Staff Course (ACSC).

Lieutenant Colonel Adrian Eddie Soti succeeds outgoing Commander Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Etato. 

The pace stick was exchanged to signify the appointment, including the exchange of sword.

During his congratulatory speech Lt. Col. Etato challenged his successor to lead with confidence, integrity, and inspire those under his command to continue to achieve success in training.

This military sporting event is an ongoing program between PNGDF its military partners from other countries. They hosted France early this month and had the opportunity to meet with the Chines Cadet Navy this week and cracked the friendly indoor soccer match with them.

The program aims to create relationship amongst soldiers and strengthen bilateral relations with other countries.

The General Board of Inquiry (GBOI) is into its first month working in accordance with its Terms of Reference.

Because of the Kupiano incident, the GBOI intends to identify issues and gaps in the systems of the PNGDF and make appropriate recommendations for improvement in the force to ensure that such tragedies do not reoccur.

Acting Chief of Defence Force, Commodore Philip Polewara is urging all branch heads, directors and Commanding Officers to support the Inquiry.

They were officially welcomed on Tuesday 29th August 2023 by Deputy Secretary for Department of Defence, Simon Tunapai, on behalf of Secretary Hari John Akipe.

“We appreciate your time and your specialty,” Tunapai said during a short welcome ceremony at the department.

“The program is enhancing our skills.”

He said the result of the MTT initiative can be seen in the performance of staff members who attended MTT trainings. He said that staff who received training through the MTT have come back to the department and set benchmark performances in their various roles.

Acting Commander for NCD and Central Acting Chief Superintendent Laimo Asi said an investigation team went to Kupiano on Tuesday (July 4, 2023), on the day of the incident.

In the face of such challenges, a well-prepared and knowledgeable response is critical to recovery.

Recognizing the need for comprehensive disaster response preparation, the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) and U.S. Army Pacific curated a five-day seminar that brings together academics, community leaders, and disaster response professionals.